Thursday, January 29, 2015

Yankees hoping to see Drew improve in 2015

The Yankees' re-signing of Stephen Drew earlier this month certainly didn't seem to be their most popular move, but that doesn't mean they're backtracking on it.

"Hopefully, he can put last year behind him and be the player he was before then," Yankees GM Brian Cashman recently told The New York Daily News. "He has a history of being a really good player prior to a season that didn't play out the way anybody expected."

Drew indeed had what was likely the worst year of his career in 2014, batting just .162/.237/.299 with seven home runs and 26 RBI in 85 games with the Red Sox and Yankees. He wasn't even acquired by Boston until May 21, and struggled well through his July 31 trade to the Pinstripes.

But he has shown the ability to produce in the past, hitting .253 in 2012 and above .260 each year from 2008-2010.

"[Last year] was just something that's so far out of the norm for his capabilities," Cashman said. "The contract refllects that and we're certainly hopeful he can revert back."

The Yankees inked Drew to a one-year/$5-million deal January 5, probably clinching for him the 2015 starting second base job. Before New York decided to give Drew another shot, it was assumed by many a youngster like Rob Refsnyder or Jose Pirela would get the role instead, seeing as the team had already rid itself of its other veteran candidate in Martin Prado.

Still, the Yankees are confident Drew will contribute for them this season, in one way or another.

"At very least, he can play multiple positions and he's a hell of a defender," Cashman said.